On Friday, January 17, the Stourbridge Shuttle team hosted West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker and Stourbridge MP Cat Eccles.

During the hour-long visit, Pre Metro’s Operations Director, Steve Jasper, outlined the achievements of the Stourbridge Shuttle, which has become a model of railway reliability and affordability.

The Shuttle offers a sustainable transportation solution at just 50% of the operational costs of a standard railway.

During his return trip, Mayor Parker witnessed the service’s popularity firsthand and praised its outstanding performance statistics.

Mr. Jasper also highlighted how the savings achieved through the Shuttle’s cost-efficient operations have been reinvested in community initiatives, including sponsoring charities and supporting local events.

The team took the opportunity to discuss their ambitious proposal for the Dudley Dasher, a transportation project designed to connect Stourbridge with Brierley Hill.

The Dudley Dasher is an innovative project that aims to provide a cost-effective alternative to the expensive West Midlands Metro extension projects.

A 2024 cost analysis revealed a significant disparity in project costs – with the Metro extension’s costs having skyrocketed to an estimated £650 million.

The Dudley Dasher proposes a streamlined passenger service covering a 5-kilometre route to Canal Street, estimated to cost just £30 million. This offers substantial savings compared to the Metro extensions.

In line with Pre Metro’s Bigger Picture strategy, released last year, the project also aims to enhance the quality of life for residents.

By providing a reliable and efficient transportation option, the Dasher seeks to reduce congestion, improve commute times, and increase convenience for passengers.

A potential connection to the Dudley Bus Interchange further strengthens the project’s benefits, creating an integrated transportation network.

Despite its merits, the Dudley Dasher project has faced challenges, with Mr Jasper expressing frustration over inconsistent engagement and unfulfilled promises of support after years of lobbying.

Reflecting on the meeting, Mr. Jasper stated:

“It was a pleasure to welcome the Mayor to Stourbridge Junction. We took the opportunity to showcase our industry-leading performance statistics and discuss our cost-effective plans for passenger services to Brierley Hill and Dudley.

These plans could be implemented quickly and at a fraction of the cost of Midland Metro extensions- potentially connecting with the Dudley Bus Interchange.”

The meeting with Mayor Parker and MP Eccles represents a significant step forward in raising awareness and gaining support for the Dudley Dasher project.

By emphasising its cost-effectiveness, community benefits, and potential to transform local transportation, Pre Metro hopes to inspire renewed commitment from policymakers and stakeholders.

With its proven track record of delivering a reliable and sustainable service, the Stourbridge Shuttle team remains determined to bring this innovative project to life, paving the way for a more connected and efficient future for the region.